Are you on your way to Nantucket from Westchester or Fairfield County? Would you like to avoid the drudgery of fighting your way to John F. Kennedy Airport, parking your car and clearing security?

The best alternative to this scenario is Reliant Air's Nantucket Shuttle departing from either White Plans (HPN) or Danbury (DXR). The service is provided on a King Air turbo prop at a small premium to JetBlue's offering without all the hassles. Cost is $500 each way per person from Danbury, (DXR) and $575 from White Plans, (HPN).

Today Famtripper.com left early from Danbury (DXR) at 5:00 a.m. to pick up returning passengers heading to White Plans (HPN) on a 6:30 a.m. flight.

I'm happy in the air, especially aboard a King Air. Sitting up next to the pilot in the cockpit with the sun raising over the horizon was a great way to start the new day. There is so much to see on this short 35-minute flight.

We jetted passed Montauk, Block Island, Cuttyhunk, Martha's Vineyard and Tuckernuck Islands before turning right to base and flaring for a picture perfect landing on Nantucket. I turned to Josh the pilot and said, "The flight was way to short. Nice landing." I was happy to be home again on my favorite island. Nantucket.

famtripper fun fact

Notre-Dame TowersThe climb starts with 255 steps up the North Tower. Then cross over to the Galerie des Chimeres, which will give you a bird’s eye view of the amazing carved stone monsters. Kids love this! It’s another 147 steps to the Bourdon, which is a giant bell located on the roof. You'll have a spectacular panoramic view. This is the home of Victor Hugo's famous character "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame".